17.1.1

Industrial Weakness

Test yourself

Russia's Industrial Weakness

Russia was one of the latest European powers to industrialise. Before the 1890s, its economy was extremely underdeveloped.

Illustrative background for Background Illustrative background for Background  ?? "content

Background

  • In 1850, most of Russia's economy focused on producing grain.
  • All the income from selling grain went to the Russian aristocracy (like the Tsar) who owned serfs (effectively slaves owned by the aristocrats).
  • In 1861, the Russian emancipation of the serfs freed all of these slaves to work in other industries.
  • The Russian army had been badly defeated by England in the Crimean War of 1853-1856.
Illustrative background for Sergei WitteIllustrative background for Sergei Witte ?? "content

Sergei Witte

  • Sergei Witte became head of the Russian railway system in 1889.
  • Witte was an economist who would become the Russian Prime Minister in 1905.
  • Witte was responsible for planning and building the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Illustrative background for Russian populationIllustrative background for Russian population ?? "content

Russian population

  • Between 1800 and 1900, the Russian population had grown by 111 million people to 136 million people.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Russian Revolution: 1917 AD

18The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

19World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

20The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

21Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium